Pivotally Supported Patents (Class 296/26.11)
  • Patent number: 11932313
    Abstract: A cargo box extension assembly for a cargo box of a vehicle and method of operating the extension assembly. The assembly includes a center panel configured and arranged for pivotally connecting to a front surface of a tailgate of the cargo box; a left panel; and a right panel, each of the left and right panels being rotatable between an open position and a closed position where the left and right panels are aligned with each other, when the cargo box extension assembly is installed on the tailgate of the vehicle and the center panel is pivotally connected to the front surface of the tailgate: the cargo box extension assembly being selectively movable between a collapsed position and an extended position; in the collapsed position, the cargo box extension assembly being at least partially received in a recess of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Laurent Savard, Patrick Mathieu, Hugo Martin, Hubert Bilodeau, Mathieu Caille
  • Patent number: 11919576
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative panel systems, structures, and vehicles. In an illustrative embodiment, a panel system includes a panel configured to rotatably connect to a structure and a panel cable assembly. The panel cable assembly includes a first cable having a first end and a second end, a first connector couplable to the first end of the first cable and the panel or the structure. The panel cable assembly also includes a second connector couplable to the second end of the first cable and the panel or the structure. The second connector is configured to have a predefined number of orientations. The second connector includes an outer portion coupled to the first cable and an inner portion received within the outer portion in one of the predefined number of orientations. Each of the predefined number of orientations results a different distance value between the panel and the structure responsive to full extension of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Arun Kumar R N
  • Patent number: 11858403
    Abstract: A convertible ramp body and/or combination of vehicle with a cargo bed and convertible ramp body wherein the convertible ramp body may be positioned about the cargo bed of a vehicle. The convertible ramp body may include a storage shelf body and cargo bed extender on opposite lateral ends of the cargo bed and connected by sidewall beams and a ramp pivotally connected to the cargo bed extender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventors: Wyatt Taft Farmer, Luke Waesche
  • Patent number: 11724753
    Abstract: A tailgate enclosure for use with a vehicle can include a plurality of cross-members, a first upright, a second upright, and only one additional upright. Each of the cross-members can be vertically spaced apart from an adjacent one of the cross-members and can include a first beam, a second beam, and a central beam having a first end and a second end, the central beam positioned at least partially between the first and second beams. The first upright can secure the first beam of each of the cross-members to a first sidewall of the vehicle and the second upright can secure the second beam of each of the cross-members to a second sidewall of the vehicle. The additional upright can be positioned along the central beam of each of the cross-members between the first and second ends of the central beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products. Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Patent number: 11643022
    Abstract: A bicycle rack system for transporting bicycles within a pickup truck is disclosed. The system attaches to the inside of the pickup bed using an L-shaped base bracket which extends through the aperture between the truck bed and the tailgate. During a period when the tailgate is in the horizontal (open) position, a gap exists between the tailgate and the truck bed. Once the tailgate closed, this gap disappears. has and drapes over the pickup's existing tailgate, thereby providing support and contact surfaces for transporting one or more bicycles in an upright position. In an embodiment, the bicycle's front wheel drapes over and outside the pickup's tailgate and the rear wheel rests within the bed of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Aon Invent, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Ward, Larry Robertson, Andrew Bojie
  • Patent number: 11639128
    Abstract: A fried food cart assembly for preparing fried treats in any location includes a cart that has a hitch which is coupled to the cart. A fryer is positioned in the cart to heat cooking oil for frying a food item. A cold storage unit is positioned in the cart to store perishable food items. A plurality of preparing shelves is each positioned in the cart to facilitate objects to be placed thereon. A point of sale unit is positioned in the cart to conduct financial transactions for patrons purchasing food that is prepared in the cart. An umbrella is positionable in the cart to shield the cart from precipitation and sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Inventor: Samuel DeCristo
  • Patent number: 11628892
    Abstract: The pickup truck tailgate is a replacement tailgate for a pickup truck. The main body or field of the tailgate is made of a metal mesh which allows for smooth air flow through the bed of the truck. The tailgate is also provided with a removable inner section that slides outward. When the tailgate is in a down position, this section may be slide outward to allow for a longer bed area or raised upward when the tailgate is in the vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventor: Nathan Fisher
  • Patent number: 11545727
    Abstract: A battery module includes a cell stack including stacked pouch-type secondary battery cells, which have electrode leads in opposite directions; a bus bar frame having first and second vertical plates and an upper plate connected to the first and second vertical plates to be hinged to at least one of the first and second vertical plates; and a mono-frame having a rectangular tube shape with an inner space in which the cell stack mounted to the bus bar frame is disposed. A plurality of bus bars are provided at outer surfaces of the first and second vertical plates, and the electrode leads of the cells are electrically connected to the corresponding bus bars through slots formed in the first and second vertical plates. A sensing member electrically connected to the bus bars of the vertical plates to sense electrical characteristics of the cells is disposed at the upper plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventors: Kyung-Soo Jang, Jae-Jung Seol, Jun-Hee Jung
  • Patent number: 11511816
    Abstract: A tailgate device includes a first panel defining first openings, and a second panel defining second openings. The tailgate device also includes a hinge coupled between first ends of the first and second panels and permitting the first and second panels to switch between an extended state and a folded state, and a sleeve receiving uppermost portions of the first ends of the first and second panels and aligned with the hinge to lock the first and second panels in the extended state. The tailgate device also includes a first retention device coupled to a second end of the first panel and to be coupled to a first side portion of a truck bed of a vehicle, and a second retention device coupled to a second end of the second panel and to be coupled to a second side portion of the truck bed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Shirley A. Vanduzer
  • Patent number: 11498626
    Abstract: Vehicle tailgate assembly that includes a sill flap and tailgate, where the sill flap has rollers that contact the tailgate while the sill flap and tailgate are opened or closed. The sill flap thus maintains rolling contact with the tailgate during opening and closing operations. In embodiments of the disclosure, the tailgate opens to leave a gap between the edge of the vehicle bed and the edge of the tailgate, and the sill flap is pivoted into this gap. While being pivoted into this open position, the sill flap rollers rotatably contact the tailgate, so that the sill flap maintains rolling contact with the tailgate rather than frictional contact therewith. This prevents damage to the sill flap and tailgate when opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Griffith, Brian Gase, Kyle Mulligan, William Kirk Robinson, Chayan Mishra
  • Patent number: 11433953
    Abstract: A tailgate enclosure for use with a vehicle can include a plurality of cross-members, a first upright, a second upright, and only one additional upright. Each of the cross-members can be vertically spaced apart from an adjacent one of the cross-members and can include a first beam, a second beam, and a central beam having a first end and a second end, the central beam positioned at least partially between the first and second beams. The first upright can secure the first beam of each of the cross-members to a first sidewall of the vehicle and the second upright can secure the second beam of each of the cross-members to a second sidewall of the vehicle. The additional upright can be positioned along the central beam of each of the cross-members between the first and second ends of the central beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Patent number: 11377017
    Abstract: A rear hatch camper is designed to secure to a rear hatch of a vehicle. The rear hatch camper has an inside rail with an inside rail abutment face. The inside rail has a latch hook configured to connect to a cargo loop anchor on a vehicle. A rail adapter is elongated and flat with a rail adapter abutment face that abuts the inside rail abutment face and is secured to the inside rail. A table has a table front edge that engages the rail adapter at an adapter support. The table has a table folding leg mounted on a table folding hinge. The table folding hinge is mounted to an underside of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: Kevin Yang
  • Patent number: 11370280
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body that defines an aperture. A closure panel is coupled to the body and is movable between open and closed positions. The closure panel covers the aperture when the closure panel is in the closed position. A support member has first and second ends. The first end is coupled to the body. The second end is coupled to the closure panel. The support member is operable between compressed and extended positions. The extended position corresponds with the open position. A panel assembly is coupled to an interior surface of the closure panel. The panel assembly includes a first, second, and third panels. The first and second panels are rotatably coupled to a mounting structure. The third panel is slidably coupled to the mounting structure. The first, second, and third panels are each movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Peter Phung, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Patent number: 11305697
    Abstract: Implementations of a vehicle entry system may include an extension section configured to extend out a bed opening of a truck bed; an opening in the extension section; a first rail extending along a first side of the opening; a second rail extending along a second side of the opening; and a set of steps rotatably coupled along a third side of the opening. The set of steps may encloses the opening when rotated up toward the extension section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Arizona Safari Jeep Tours, LLC
    Inventor: David C. Swartwout
  • Patent number: 11148733
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for modifying a vehicle comprising a cab enclosure configured to interface with a vehicle, a fixed deck, configured rearward of, and cooperating with, the vehicle cab, and an extensible deck projecting from, and cooperating with, the fixed deck. The cab enclosure further comprises at least one roof adaptor comprising at least one roof adaptor panel connected to the vehicle and a lower cab enclosure comprising at least one panel connected to the vehicle wherein the cab enclosure elements, fixed deck, and extensible deck are connected to the vehicle without permanent modification to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SYNOPTIC DESIGNS LLC
    Inventor: Dav Mar
  • Patent number: 11104394
    Abstract: Vehicles may be composed of a relatively few number of “modules” that are assembled together during a final assembly process. An example vehicle may include a body module, a first drive module coupled to a first end of the body module, and a second drive module coupled to a second end of the body module. One or both of the drive modules may include a pair of wheels, a battery, an electric drive motor, and/or a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One or both of the drive modules may also include a crash structure to absorb impacts. If a component of a drive module fails or is damaged, the drive module can be quickly and easily replaced with a new drive module, minimizing vehicle down time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Timo Birnschein, Adriano Di Pietro, Kyle Matthew Foley, Timothy David Kentley-Klay, Andrew Piper
  • Patent number: 11059423
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a pickup truck having a bed which is adapted to be extendable. The extendable portion of the pickup truck bed is adapted to operate on rails or the like and to use an electric motor having a pump with fluid connections to hydraulic cylinders so that the hydraulic cylinders are attached to a portion of the extendable portion of the truck bed so that the truck bed extension can be operated from the cab of the pickup truck by the operator. The pickup bed extension is adapted to be easily moved from a retracted position to an extended position by the operator of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventor: Matthew N. Weaver
  • Patent number: 11052946
    Abstract: A modular, reconfigurable frame that can be combined into multiple standardized segments to create different core vehicle configurations is described herein. The frame includes a plurality of components that affix together universally to make multiple versions of cycle, vehicle, and airframe styles. The reconfigurable frame includes a quick pin and fastener that allows for transportation platforms to be incorporated into the frame in a modular fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Patrick A. Walker
  • Patent number: 10968038
    Abstract: Implementations of a collapsible tilt truck that can be used to collect, transport, and dump refuse are provided. The tilt truck is configured so that it can be collapsed (or folded) when not in use, thereby facilitating its storage in a compact space. The tilt truck comprises a collapsible frame and collection bin. The collection bin comprises a two-part bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and two lateral side panels, each of the panels is attached to the collapsible frame. The lateral side panels are configured to fold when the tilt truck is collapsed. In some implementation, the collapsible tilt truck includes a trash bag bracket that is positioned within the collection bin. In this way, a trash bag can be secured to the trash bag bracket and used to collect and transport loose trash and/or recyclables separately from the refuse generally stored in the collection bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Troy Hopkins
  • Patent number: 10919421
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a cargo box and a seat device located on the front side of the cargo box. The seat device includes a seat bottom and a seat back that includes a first lateral swinging shaft that extends in a lateral direction, a seat back frame that swings about the first lateral swinging shaft between an upright position and a horizontal position at which the seat back frame overlaps with the seat bottom, and a seat back main body that is attached to the seat back frame. The seat back frame in the horizontal position defines an expansion floor by which the floor of the cargo box is expanded in a forward direction. The seat back main body swings to a hanging orientation with respect to the seat back frame in the horizontal position and is located in front of the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Keziah, Aubrey Jarvis, David Spitz
  • Patent number: 10829166
    Abstract: A vehicle bed extender for increasing cargo capacity of a storage area is presented. The vehicle bed extender includes a flexible member, a bracket, and at least one stiffener. The flexible member defines a back wall disposed between a pair of extension walls. The back wall and the extension walls have an upper end and a lower end. Each extension wall is separately and removably attachable to a side wall of a vehicle. The bracket is secured to a top end of a tailgate at two or more mount points. The bracket and the tailgate define a slot between each adjacent pair of mount points. At least one tab extends at the lower end along the back wall. The tab slidingly engages the slot to secure the flexible member to the tailgate. The stiffener is removably attached to the flexible member at the upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Xtendabed, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond J. McMeans
  • Patent number: 10710646
    Abstract: A tailgate assembly capable of extending the volume of a truck bed having a first panel with a first end and a second end, with the first end rotatably connected to a truck bed, a second panel with a first end, a second end, and at least one side end, with the first end of the second panel rotatably connected to the second end of the first panel, and at least one folding panel rotatable connected to a side end of the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventor: Joshua Reyna
  • Patent number: 10543789
    Abstract: A tailgate includes an opening through a rear end of the tailgate when in a tailgate open position. The tailgate also includes a tailgate extender having support tubes extending through the opening and telescopically slidable outward from the tailgate, a laterally extending support beam supported by the support tubes, and a cargo-assist step pivotally mounted to the support beam, the cargo-assist step configured to pivot downwardly when the support tubes are pivoted downwardly to define a step and to pivot upwardly into a vertical position when the support tubes extend horizontally to define a cargo stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua R. Hemphill, Brian K. Sullivan, Craig A. Moccio
  • Patent number: 10343579
    Abstract: A combination loading system and hose bed for a firefighting vehicle includes a platform and an actuating mechanism configured to pivot the platform between a substantially vertical stowed position, a substantially horizontal position, and a downwardly angled position. The platform includes a bottom wall and a pair of side walls extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall. When in the stowed position, the platform closes the substantially open rear end of the firefighting vehicle, and when in the substantially horizontal position, the platform can serve as a hose bed allowing firefighters to easily grab hose from a standing position. When in the downwardly angled position, the platform can serve as a ramp allowing the firefighters to wheel equipment on and off the vehicle. The platform may also be provided with a crane extension for lifting heavy objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: John E. McLoughlin
  • Patent number: 10328860
    Abstract: A rear door shelf assembly having a mounting base portion and a shelf rotatably connected to the mounting base portion for moving between an open position and a closed position. A spring-loaded prop rod is rotatably connected to the assembly. Storage features are connectable to the prop rod to provide multi-functionality of the assembly as a utility table and a storage unit. A one-touch latching mechanism holds the shelf in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Jonathon Moore, Charles C. Turney
  • Patent number: 10131384
    Abstract: An apparatus is for extending a vehicle bed. A tailgate is provided for lowering to provide a tailgate opening for providing access to the vehicle bed. The tailgate includes a retractable member adapted for extending vertically from the tailgate when lowered. A retractable webbing is provided for associating with the retractable member and adapted for moving to a deployed position to at least partially span the tailgate opening in a lowered condition. A ladder for use in climbing into the vehicle bed may form the retractable member, or may be provided in addition to it. Plural webbings may also be provided for spanning multiple retractable members associated with the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Travis Justin Raines, Pattrick Loew
  • Patent number: 10077083
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tailgate, and in particular to an improved tailgate having a support plate that is movable to a raised position. The tailgate has a body that mounts to a truck bed in a conventional manner. The body has a cavity. When in a storage position, an extension plate, a first side plate, a second side plate and a support plate are contained within in the cavity. When in a deployed or extended position, the extension plate is rotated relative to the body, the side plates are pivoted up and the support plate is raised within the cavity. The support plate can be raised and lowered automatically as the side plates are swung open and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Michael A. and Sandra M. Survis
    Inventors: Michael Albert Survis, Adam Michael Survis
  • Patent number: 9969444
    Abstract: A work surface apparatus for a vehicle includes a tailgate having at least two panel-supporting posts adapted for translating between a stowed position and a substantially horizontal deployed position. A panel is included, configured to be supported in a substantially horizontal orientation by the deployed at least two panel-supporting posts. The panel may be a cargo area divider defined by hingedly connected sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Pattrick Loew, Brian Robert Spahn
  • Patent number: 9878671
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a stowable storage apparatus is disclosed having a large deployed-to-stowed volume ratio thereby providing a useful carry capacity while being easy to package. The stowable storage apparatus includes a rigid first end wall and two flexible vertically disposed spaced apart side walls. The first end wall and the two side walls define, when the stowable storage apparatus is in a deployed state, three sides of an enclosure for storing one or more small objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew John Murray, Bruce Southey, Niall Hamilton
  • Patent number: 9809142
    Abstract: An add-on extender for a pickup truck having a bed and a tailgate with a pair of sides and a top. The extender selectively extends both the bed and the tailgate of the pickup truck, and permanently mounts onto the tailgate of the pickup truck so as not to have to be removed when not in use. The extender includes a pair of side panels and a rear panel. The pair of side panels pivotally attach to the pair of sides of the tailgate of the pickup truck, respectively, so as to have a non-operational folded position and an operational unfolded position that extends the bed of the pickup truck. The rear panel pivotally attaches to the top of the tailgate of the pickup truck so as to have a non-operational folded position and an operational unfolded position that extends the bed and the tailgate of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ernest S. White
  • Patent number: 9688312
    Abstract: A system for adjusting a size of an access into a vehicle is provided. The system may include a pillar, which may be substantially vertical, and a track allowing the pillar to be moved. A latch may be attached to the pillar securing the pillar along the track. The pillar may be secured at one or multiple locations along the track. Multiple rolling mechanisms may be part of the pillar. These mechanisms may allow the pillar to glide back and forth enlarging or reducing the entrance into the vehicle from the front or rear entrances. The track may be interior to a front and rear door of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Maeshiro, James Hsin Yao Lee
  • Patent number: 9592860
    Abstract: A replacement tailgate for the purpose of elongating the pickup truck may be installed on a truck bed wherein the replacement tailgate can be unfolded in order to elongate a length of the truck bed. The replacement tailgate may have front and rear shells that are used to support objects placed in the truck bed as well as act as the new tailgate when the truck bed length is elongated. Various panels may be unfolded in order to trap objects within the truck bed when the replacement tailgate is unfolded in order to elongate the truck bed length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 9586514
    Abstract: In a vehicle with a load-carrying platform, an elastic band is provided so a rear portion of a tailgate and a rear portion of a bed extender enter a tensioned state. A rotation regulation mechanism is provided to the tailgate and the bed extender that regulates further rotational movement by the tailgate and the bed extender making contact when the tailgate is rotated towards a closed position. The bed extender and the tailgate are prevented from rotating in the same direction by the rotation regulation mechanism, and the load on the elastic band is mitigated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kosuke Asao, Takeshi Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Nishimori, Makoto Hotozuka, Yuji Maki, Takeyuki Kariyasu, Hiroyuki Shinmura, Masanori Aoki
  • Patent number: 9487247
    Abstract: A cargo bed extender includes a pair of side mounting plates attached to a cargo bed sidewall, a center structure having a plurality of cross bars between a pair of end plates, and a pair of side structures with a plurality of cross bars between a front plate and a mast. Each side structure has a pivot rod engaging the side mounting plate, and a pair of spring biased feet, one of the feet extending from each end of the mast. Locking pins may be inserted through the front plate to engage the side mounting plate and hold the spring biased feet in a position where they exert forces against the tailgate or cargo bed floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Ryan Glover, Danney Dendy
  • Patent number: 9487152
    Abstract: A utility rack assembly including a first rack and a second rack that may be converted from an extended position to a stowed position. Each rack may include a base attachable to the bed of a pickup truck. The racks may further include a bottom member attached to the base and a top member pivotally connected to the bottom member. A main rack holder may also be pivotally connected to the top member. In the extended position, the base, bottom member, top member, and main rack holder form a rack to support equipment. In stowed position, the top member may pivot relative to the bottom member and the main rack holder may pivot relative to the top member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Gregory Scott, David Cianni
  • Patent number: 9452782
    Abstract: A replacement tailgate for the purpose of elongating the pickup truck may be installed on a truck bed wherein the replacement tailgate can be unfolded in order to elongate a length of the truck bed. The replacement tailgate may have front and rear shells that are used to support objects placed in the truck bed as well as act as the new tailgate when the truck bed length is elongated. Various panels may be unfolded in order to trap objects within the truck bed when the replacement tailgate is unfolded in order to elongate the truck bed length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 9452793
    Abstract: A truck bed extension apparatus is useful in extending the bed of a truck having a primary tailgate pivotally movable between open and closed configurations. The apparatus includes a hinge assembly having a hinge plate coupled to the primary tailgate. An auxiliary tailgate includes a lower edge pivotally coupled to a front edge of the hinge plate, the auxiliary tailgate being pivotally movable between a stowed configuration co-planar with and adjacent to the hinge plate and a deployed configuration extending upwardly from the hinge plate. A pair of side panels is pivotally coupled to opposed side edges of the auxiliary tailgate and selectively movable between retracted and extended configurations. The truck bed is extended and enclosed when the primary tailgate is at an open configuration, the auxiliary tailgate is at the deployed configuration, and the pair of side panels is at the extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Larry A. Quick
  • Patent number: 9409608
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a box extender for a pickup truck that has a box with a bed and a tailgate, where the tailgate extends the bed's length in a longitudinal direction when open. The box extender may have access doors. First and second side walls may be mounted to the box to pivot between a forward, stowed position along opposite walls of the box and a rearward, extended position above the tailgate. An end wall may be disposed above the tailgate between the first and second side walls and may include a first section that is hinged to the first side wall and a second section that is hinged to the second side wall. The side walls and the end wall may enclose a volume above the tailgate for cargo storage. The first and second sections of the end wall may be opened to access the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David B. Waskie, Edward L. Schulte
  • Patent number: 9387806
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a truck bed extender for use with a pickup truck. The truck bed extender is configurable in three states: (i) a first state provides for extending a size the enclosed truck bed, (ii) a second state provides a horizontal work surface, and (iii) a third state provides a collapsed storage about the tailgate portion of the pickup truck. Measuring gauges may be embedded or disposed on a surface of the truck bed extender. Additionally, a rectangular cover panel can be implemented for covering a gap disposed between a horizontal surface of the truck bed and the tailgate when extended outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Russell John Bzoza
  • Patent number: 9216776
    Abstract: A foldable vehicle which has a vehicle body divided into two sections of a front section and a rear section and has a size reduced by rotating the rear section of the divided vehicle body to be folded with respect to the front section thereof. The foldable vehicle includes a front vehicle body having a front wheel; a rear vehicle body having a rear wheel and having a lower front end rotatably connected to a lower rear end of the front vehicle body through a rotating shaft to rotate around the rotating shaft in a vertical direction, thereby being folded to overlap with the front vehicle body or unfolded; a folding drive unit for folding or unfolding the vehicle bodies by rotating the rear vehicle body with respect to the front vehicle body; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the folding drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: In Soo Suh, Ka Ram Hwang
  • Patent number: 9199672
    Abstract: A link unit for a foldable vehicle includes: a windshield part having a lower end hinge-coupled with a floor to rotate in a front and rear direction of a vehicle; a rear cabin part forming a dome-shaped cabin having a lower end hinge-coupled with the floor to rotate in the front and rear direction of the vehicle; a roof part having a rear end hinge-coupled with the rear cabin part and a front end provided with a slot in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a linear driver including a motor at an end of the slot, a ball screw extended along the slot, and a ball nut fastened with the ball screw to be slid along the slot; and a connection link having a front end hinge-coupled with an upper end of the windshield part and a rear end connected with the ball nut by a hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Gwang Hyun Ahn, Yong Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9199671
    Abstract: A folding unit for a foldable vehicle comprises a floor part configured including a front floor provided with a front wheel and a rear floor provided with a rear wheel. The front floor and the rear floor overlap each other or extend by being slid to each other to extend or contract a wheelbase of the vehicle. A rear cabin part is disposed at a rear side of the vehicle to form a dome shaped cabin and has a lower end hinge-coupled with the floor part to rotate in a front and rear direction of the vehicle. A folding driver includes a linear motor rotating while being hinge-coupled with the floor part. An operating rod is extended or contracted from the linear motor and has an end hinge-coupled with a lower end of the rear cabin part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Gwang Hyun Ahn, Yong Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9097045
    Abstract: A tailgate hinge is part of a tailgate assembly and is attached to the rear sill of a pick-up truck bed. The tailgate hinge includes a stationary hinge bracket and a pivotal hinge bracket that are connected by a hinge pin. The pivotal hinge bracket includes a detachment slot. The hinge pin has a pair of flats that permit the hinge pin to pass through the detachment slot when the tailgate is at a predetermined angular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Henry W. Hausler, Andrew Kammerzell, John Comiez, Daniel Clatterbuck
  • Patent number: 9056576
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a front seat, a rear seat at a rear side of the front seat, and a cargo bed at a rear side of the rear seat, and a screen for partitioning the cargo bed and a riding space at a front side of the cargo bed. The cargo bed includes left and right fixed side walls, a front wall movable into the riding space, and left and right expansion side walls expandable into the riding space. The cargo bed is changeable between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded forward into the riding space and a non-expanded state in which the cargo bed is not expanded into the riding space. The screen is attached to the front wall, and each expansion side wall is foldably attached to the front wall and a corresponding one of the fixed side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Teruaki Yamamoto, Itsuo Takegami, Yoshiyuki Kuroyanagi
  • Patent number: 8939490
    Abstract: An off-road utility vehicle with a reconfigurable cargo bed with fore and aft sections joined to the vehicle. Each section has three walls and a floor. The fore section pivots with respect to the aft section between an open position and a closed position with the fore section on top of the aft section. In the closed position, the reconfigurable cargo bed is a container with an opening in the foremost side of the container. A movable bulkhead is provided that is adapted to close the opening of the foremost side of the container, as well as being repositionable to serve as an extended surface for hauling cargo, a work bench that extends from a side of the cargo bed, or as a divider in the center of the cargo bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Centro, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Surridge
  • Publication number: 20150008694
    Abstract: A vehicle bed extender adapted for simultaneous adjustment of both length and width. The extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, and a connecting wall. The first and second side walls can attach to the vehicle storage bed, while the connecting wall attaches to the side walls in a sliding configuration along a direction nonparallel to the length and width of the bed extender. The connecting wall can also be composed of multiple cross members with middle portions of varying length such that the middle portions of the cross members are not vertically oriented. The vehicle bed extender can also be supported by a mount at the front end of the vehicle bed that supports the connecting wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 8894123
    Abstract: A pick-up truck cargo bed material transport support system for the transportation of large panel material and the like within the cargo bed of a pick-up truck. An adjustable support rack is removably positioned within the cargo bed of a pick-up truck rearwardly of the rear wheel wells having multiple pivoted linkage arm support assembly extending onto the lowered tailgate of the cargo bed when in use. The support rack is collapsible when not in deployed use and combined with a secondary cross bed support beam positioned forward of the rear wheel wells provides a unique support material engagement system within the cargo bed for large panel-like or associated loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: James C. Ori
  • Publication number: 20140333082
    Abstract: A configurable pickup bed utility management system features a segmented panel assembly pivotally mounted to a pickup bed. The panel assembly features a first panel, a second panel pivotally located on the first panel, a third panel pivotally located on the second panel, and a fourth panel pivotally located on the third panel. A plurality of curved linear extrusions with ridges are located on the panels. The panel assembly can be fully extended over the pickup bed forming a bed cover structure, fully extended posterior to the pickup bed forming a work surface structure, fully extended posterior to the pickup bed forming a ramp structure, partially extended posterior to the pickup bed forming a sun shade structure, folded into the pickup bed forming a lockable toolbox, or folded into the pickup bed forming a bed extender.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Cortney Smith
  • Publication number: 20140333083
    Abstract: A truck bed extender of rigid material and attached to the tailgate of a pick-up truck, having a rectangular back panel (20) with embedded measuring gages (28), (30), having a lower hinge (12) which is mounted to the upper edge of the extended tailgate (36) and side panels (22A) (22B) adjoined by hinged means to said rectangular back panel and having the ability to extend outward and retract inward to a folded position through pivotal rotation. The locking holes (24A), (24B) located on the uppermost of the side panels align to existing latch pins on the rear sidewalls of the truck bed in order to secure sidewalls in an extended position by use of independent means. The embodiment further includes the secondary function of providing a sturdy multi-use work platform for standing work when the extended embodiment is pivotally rotated into an upright position with the tailgate closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Russell John Bzoza
  • Publication number: 20140183894
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a front seat, a rear seat at a rear side of the front seat, and a cargo bed at a rear side of the rear seat, and a screen for partitioning the cargo bed and a riding space at a front side of the cargo bed. The cargo bed includes left and right fixed side walls, a front wall movable into the riding space, and left and right expansion side walls expandable into the riding space. The cargo bed is changeable between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded forward into the riding space and a non-expanded state in which the cargo bed is not expanded into the riding space. The screen is attached to the front wall, and each expansion side wall is foldably attached to the front wall and a corresponding one of the fixed side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Teruaki Yamamoto, Itsuo Takegami, Yoshiyuki Kuroyanagi